Originally built as work boats capable of carrying a heavy load of nets or traps across shallow, protected coastal waters, traditional skiff designs share characteristics that include a flat or nearly flat bottom with a broad beam for the boat’s length, and a blunt bow. Recreational anglers find those same features favorable for negotiating shallows while fishing protected waters where there is not the need for a traditional vee’d hull to tackle rough water on a regular basis. The skiff category has become popular as interest in in-shore light tackle saltwater fishing has grown. The Pro 17 Skiff CC is one of three skiff configurations Mako offers in 2012, which include a 17 tiller model, a 16 foot center console and an 18 foot Light Tackle version, with a new, shallow-running hull design.

Mako Pro 17 Skiff CC (2014-) Captain's Report

The Pro 17 Skiff CC is targeted to anglers who want an open, stable, full-feature fishing platform capable of accessing shallow waters – fresh or salt - under power of mid-range outboards.

The Mako’s hull design, with 10 degrees of deadrise and Mako’s new inverted V design, allows the skiff to carry a considerable load with minimal horsepower while maintaining a draft of only 8''.

Performance Features

We tested a Pro 17 Skiff CC packaged with a 60-hp Mercury EFI four-stroke, the hull’s maximum recommended power. So rigged, we reached a top speed of 34.9 mph at 5800 rpm burning 5.1 gallons per hour. We found the optimum cruising speed for the rig to be 21.3 mph, turning 4000 rpm while consuming 8.67 miles per gallon, giving the boat a cruising range of 47 miles with the standard 6 gallon fuel tank.

Construction Features

Mako’s Advanced Inverted V (AIV) hull design, wide beam and foam-filled construction allows for a smooth, dry ride and stable platform through rougher conditions. The boat is built with 100% composite materials and despite weighing only 950 lbs. the hull has a 1400 lb. load capacity and is rated to carry up to five passengers.

We like the broad, clutter-free bow casting deck, with nothing to trip on or snag a fly line while fishing.

The Pro 17 Skiff center console configuration offers better visibility and more fishing features than tiller-controlled models, while surrendering the open deck space that many skiff fanciers favor. For those traditionalists, Mako offers a tiller-operated version of the 17 footer.

Mako makes the most of the Pro 17 Skiff CC model’s one-piece molded center console. Anglers find vertical rod racks, a storage compartment below and trays up top. The minimalist dash features a tachometer standard with space for the optional Lowrance Mark-5x Pro fish finder. No additional electronics or gauges are offered; we’d like to see a simple compass available as an option.

Check out the breakered rocker switch controls and the location of the skiff’s running lights.

At the front of the helm console is a seat hiding an eight-gallon aerated livewell fed by a 500 gph pump. Note the grab rails molded into the seat base.

Aft of the helm is a cushioned 85-quart roto-molded, foam-filled portable cooler that serves as a seat. The cockpit that surrounds it averages 18'' in depth from coaming to sole.

The stern casting deck is large for a 17 foot boat and kept clutter-free. The deck-plate in the small splashwell allows access to the standard 1000 gph bilge pump.

A single step and stainless steel handrail help swimmers get back aboard the low-profile skiff’s 20''-high transom. Note the deep diamond-pattern non-skid surface molded into the aft deck, which is carried forward to the bow deck as well.

Mako fits a lot of fishing-friendly features within the skiff’s 204'' length and 80'' beam. The standard 6 gallon fuel tank is secured under the aft deck to starboard; a second, optional 6 gallon tank can be similarly positioned to port.

The Pro 17 Skiff CC comes with a saltwater-ready, all-welded aluminum trailer with 13-inch wheels fitted with vault oil bath hubs on a galvanized axle. Rigged with a 30-hp Mercury ELPT Four-Stroke outboard and trailer the standard rig sells for $14,580 including prep and freight. Packages are offered with 40-, 50- and 60-hp outboards as well.

Recommendation

Any angler looking for a bargain-priced, shallow-running fishing boat capable of taking a couple of family members or fishing buddies along for a day of sight casting and exploring fresh or salt waters where traditional-vee hull craft simply can't go, should consider the new Mako Pro 17 Skiff. We like this rig a lot and believe that plenty of near-shore light tackle anglers will too.

Mako Pro 17 Skiff CC (2014-) Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Mako Pro 17 Skiff CC (2014-) is 21.3 mph (34.3 kph), and the boat gets 8.67 miles per gallon (mpg) or 3.69 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 47 miles (75.64 kilometers).

Standard and Optional Equipment

Mako Pro 17 Skiff CC (2014-) Warranty

Mako Pro 17 Skiff CC (2014-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.